A low pressure system just to the west of the country flings a cold front over the upper South Island and North Island today bringing in some heavy rain, possible thunderstorms for the North Island too. Most of the lower South Island is wet also, slowly clearing about Southland from afternoon.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty
Showers then rain from late morning, becoming heavy in areas with possible thunderstorms. Rain eases late afternoon or evening as northeasterly winds tend northwest.
Highs: 21-22

Western North Island (including Central North Island)
Rain about Taranaki with possible heavy falls, spreading elsewhere late afternoon or evening then easing overnight. High cloud and possible sun before rain moves in. Northeasterly winds.
Highs: 19-25

Eastern North Island
Plenty of high cloud, spots of rain spread from the west late afternoon or evening. Breezy northeasterly winds.
Highs: 24-26

Wellington
Early rain eases, dry spells developing although remaining mostly cloudy. Rain picks up again late afternoon or evening as southerly winds freshen.
High: 22

Marlborough & Nelson
Rain with heavy falls at times, northeasterly winds change southerly late afternoon or evening.
Highs: 16-19

Canterbury
Rain, heavy falls possible about inland areas in the morning. Southwesterly winds freshen from midday becoming strong about the coast by evening.
Highs: 13-16

West Coast
Rain, easing overnight. Northeasterlies then winds change southerly in the afternoon.
Highs: 16-19

Southland & Otago
Showers ease clearing around midday for Southland, staying mostly cloudy. Areas of rain for Otago for most of the day, easing later in the evening. Southeasterly winds for most, southwest winds pick up about coastal Otago from afternoon.
Highs: 11-13

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz